BUSINESS

DOE targets 3.3 GW in wind auction

Maria Bernadette Romero

The Department of Energy (DOE) is targeting the installation of 3,300 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity through the Fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), marking the first auction round focused exclusively on fixed-bottom offshore wind technology. Power delivery is expected between 2028 and 2030.

“By prioritizing fixed-bottom offshore wind for GEA-5, we are investing in a technology that is ready to deliver,” said Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. “This allows us to set a strong and credible foundation for the country’s offshore wind sector, one that can deliver first power by 2028.”

GEA-5 will be conducted under the Green Energy Auction Program guidelines, as outlined in Department Circular No. DC2021-11-0036. The auction is part of the DOE’s broader strategy to meet renewable energy targets under the Philippine Energy Plan 2025–2050 and the National Renewable Energy Program.

The DOE emphasized that fixed-bottom offshore wind was selected for this round due to its proven global performance, cost-efficiency, and scalability — factors crucial to ensuring energy security and achieving climate targets.

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the agency remains open to adopting floating offshore wind in the future, but added that the technology is still in its early stages of development worldwide.

“As global experience grows and the technology matures, the DOE will reassess its inclusion in future auction rounds. For now, our focus is to build momentum with fixed-bottom projects that can succeed under current technical, regulatory, and infrastructure conditions,” she said.

The Green Energy Auction Program, launched in June 2022, is designed to fast-track renewable energy integration by allowing power producers to compete for fixed-rate incentives through bids at or below reserve prices set by the Energy Regulatory Commission. The program supports the government’s goal of achieving a 35 percent renewable energy share by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.